Knight Fantasy

Knight Fantasy

Flora Winters

I do not own Smallville.

Summary: Clark’s now famous childhood friend returns to Smallville and his semi-normal existence is turned upside down. What’s an alien to do? This fiction will contain language, MM, and OC.

Chapter One

“Happy Birthday,” Pete said, putting his gift down on the table next to the cake that was the shape of a football.

“Thank you,” Clark smiled, looking at the ten candles on his birthday cake. “So, what did you get me?”

“I’m not gonna say,” Pete smirked, eyeing the yummy goodness that was chocolate cake. “You’ll have to open it to find out.”

Clark pouted.

“Come on,” he said, poking away. “Tell me, tell me, Pete.”

“No, stop,” Pete laughed, playfully swatting at him. “You’ll have to wait.”

Clark rolled his eyes. Waiting was no fun. He wanted to know now. He hated surprises.

Another knock came at the door and he raced for it at a ‘normal’ pace. His mommy had told him to be extra careful with his speed around his friends. She had told him that he could even stay up late if he didn’t do anything ‘strange’ during the party.

“You’re my special little boy.” She had told him, kissing his forehead, and hugging him tight. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

He was going to keep his promise, too. He never got to stay up late. This was going to be fun.

“Zak,” he said, smiling happily, looking up at Mrs. Knight who was a really beautiful lady. “You made it.”

“Happy Birthday, Clarky.” Zak told him, flicking sun blond locks out of his eyes, handing him a shiny golden box.

Clark took it, shook it, making Zak snort, and Mrs. Knight cocked a delicate brow. He simply had to know what was in the shiny box.

“Tricky,” he muttered, pouting at them. “You made it too hard.”

“You’ll lurve it,” Zak said, walking in with his mommy.

“Sarah,” Mrs. Kent called out. “I’m so happy you were able to make it. Clark’s been bouncing off the walls and ceiling all day.”

“Zak wouldn’t let me forget his best friend’s birthday party,” she said with a laugh, giving Pete’s shoulder a squeeze. “Do you need help with anything, Martha?”

“Ah,” Mr. Kent said, stepping in from the kitchen. “I see we now have Trouble Cubed, Martha.”

Clark rolled his eyes. His daddy thought he was so cool.

Zak ran up, giving Mr. Kent a big hug, while Clark added his gift with the rest. He really liked the gold wrapping paper. It was all shiny and pretty. It was pretty shiny.

“I was wondering, Martha,” Sarah said, following her into the kitchen. “Would it be too much trouble to ask if Zak could stay over just for the night? I have his bag out in the car.”

Martha turned around, looking at her in concern. “Has something happened Is Richard all right?”

“No, nothing like that,” she said, leaning against the bar. “I heard him singing again, Martha.”

“Really?” She asked, turning from the stove to look at her.

Sarah nodded. “I’m not simply saying this because I’m his mother, but, he has the voice of an angel.”

Martha cocked a brow. “Did you record him this time?”

She pulled out a small voice recorder. “Let’s go outside.”

Martha turned off the oven and followed her out the kitchen door. The two of them walked off and stood around the corner.

“Here we go,” Sarah said, pushing the play button.

It took it a moment and then Zak’s voice came through loud and clear. Martha just stood there in shock.

Birds and butterflies
Rivers and mountains she creates
But you’ll never know
The next move she’ll make
You can try
But it is useless to ask why
Cannot control her
She goes her own way

Sarah pushed the stop button and Martha’s eyes were as wide as saucers. It was not a song she was familiar with.

There was no music. It was just a ten year old singing. It was magical and haunting.

“Well?” Sarah asked. “Am I crazy?”

“He sounds like this now?” Martha asked in shock. “What will he sound like five-ten years from now?”

“I typed these lyrics in on the internet, Martha.” She said. “He had to have written this himself, because the song does not exist.”

“Amazing,” Martha said, putting a hand to her cheek. “He could be a professional by fifteen if you get him voice lessons.”

Sarah nodded her head. “This is why I would like for him to stay here tonight. He does not know I have this.”

Martha smiled.

“Richard and I are going to see Ursula Darvin,” she said, rewinding the tape. “We have an appointment and need to be leaving soon after the party for Metropolis.”

Martha gawked. “You actually have an appointment?”

“Yes,” she said. “Do you mind if he stays?”

“No, of course not,” Martha told her, laughing. “This is just amazing.”

“She wants to see us and hear the tape,” she said, putting it in her front pocket. “And if she likes it, she’ll tutor him herself.”

“Is he really that shy?” Martha asked. “I’m surprised she would not want to hear him in person.”

“Oh, yes,” she said, rolling her eyes. “He tells us that he has no idea what we’re talking about. I was tempted to play it for him, but was afraid it would scare him.”

“Scare him?” A voice asked. “Why would you scare Zacky?”

“Clark,” Martha said in a calm tone. “How long have you been hiding there, Sweetheart?”

She was going to have to put a cowbell around his neck.

“That song was pretty,” he said, stepping out, looking all adorable, too. “Was that really Zak?”

Sarah nodded, going down on her knees, looking into those big blue eyes. “Do you know how to keep a secret, Clark?”

Clark smiled. “I keep lots of secrets.”

Martha paled.

“Good,” Sarah said, taking his small hands in hers. “Can we not tell Zak about this?”

Clark cocked his head to the side. “But, why? His voice is so pretty.”

“Because he is a silly dilly and likes to play pretend.” She told him, smiling at how cute he was. “So, let’s not tell him just yet, okay?”

He looked up at his mommy who was standing behind Mrs. Knight. She was smiling. So, it had to be okay. What was one more secret?

Clark nodded. “I can keep a secret. I’m like a treasure chest.”

“Cross your heart?” She asked, gently squeezing his hands.

He smiled. “And hope to die.”

Sarah ruffled his shaggy hair. “You better grab the boys and hide before I count to thirty.”

Clark’s blue eyes lit up and he took off running into the house, shouting for everyone to hide.

“Not you, Daddy!” He shouted. “You’re too big!”

Martha put a hand on her shoulder and Sarah smiled. “That child is beyond human.”

“My special little boy,” she replied and shouted. “One! Two! Three!”

It sounded like a herd of cattle racing through the farmhouse.

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Clark growled when Pete beat him to the shower. He watched him jump in and pull the curtain shut with a hiss. He narrowed his eyes and took off running towards his bedroom to see Caleb dive under his bed headfirst.

Zak pulled his feet under and snickered. “Better hurry, Clarky.”

He ducked into his closet and shut the door. He made his way all the way to the back and quickly pushed all the clothes in front of him.

He made sure that he was completely concealed. Nobody was going to find him. He was the undefeated champion of Hide and Seek.

“Ready or not,” Sarah yelled.

“Here we come!” Martha finished.

Clark practically cringed under all his clothes. It was all so exciting. Who would they find first? He strained to listen over the thumps of his own heart.

“I wonder where they could be,” he heard Mrs. Knight ask.

“I’m not sure,” his mommy said. “Jonathan!”

“They’re not under my coffee cup, Dear!” He shouted.

Clark snickered. His daddy was so funny.

He heard a door open and he cringed even more with excitement. If they opened the door and did not see him then it was good. But, if they started to look, he’d surprise them.

“Found you!” Martha laughed.

He could hear Pete whine.

“Ah hah!” Mrs. Knight giggled and he heard Zak laugh. “Where’s Clark at, dumpling head?”

Zak snickered in a sing song voice. “I’ll never tell.”

“Not even for a chocolate chip cookie?” Mrs. Knight asked.

“Nope,” Zak said.

“Rats,” Mrs. Knight laughed, snapping her fingers.

Clark was grinning from ear to ear. Zak had not told them where he was hiding.

The door suddenly flew open and all the clothes raked to the side.

“Gotcha!”

Clark squealed and started laughing. “Mommy!”

Martha helped her baby out. “Are you ready to open your presents?”

Clark nodded. “And eat lots of yummy cake, too.”

He looked over at Zak who was smiling and Pete walked in.

“Cake?”

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Pete had gotten him a new football and Zak had gotten him a baseball with a catcher’s glove. His mommy and daddy had gotten him some new school clothes and gave him twenty dollars. This was going for some new comics. He loved comics.

He tried his glove on and it fit his hand perfectly. It was the perfect fit.

Almost all the birthday cake was gone and the ice cream was gone. They had scraped the bucket empty, literally.

“Thanks, Pete,” Clark said, waving bye to his friend.

“You’re welcome,” Pete told him, clutching his tummy. “I had too much yummy.”

Mrs. Ross laughed. “Bye, Clark.”

“Bye!” He called out, waving, and his parents were doing the same.

“Here’s your bag, Sweetpea,” Sarah said, handing it to her undiscovered siren. “You be a good boy and mind your manners.”

“I will,” Zak said, hugging her.

“I love you,” she said, hugging him tight.

“I love you, too,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“We’ll take good care of him,” Martha said, walking over to hug her friend. “You call me and let me know how it goes.”

“You’re the first on the list,” she said, hugging Clark bye. “Happy Birthday, Mister.”

Blue eyes smiled at her. “Thanks.”

She kissed her baby bye again and honked the horn as she drove off.

“Who wants more cake?” Jonathan asked.

Both boys moaned.

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“My fire dragon is going to toast your wizard like toast.” Clark laughed, moving his card forward, and laying down his magic card.

Zak snickered and laid down a card that made Clark pout. “This water spell will keep your dragon from doing that.”

Clark glared at the card with burning blue eyes, wishing for it to explode into flames. That would teach him. He never lost! Never!

“And,” Zak said, looking the board over. “I think that means I win.”

Clark threw his cards down, getting to his feet in a huff. He glared down at the board, kicking it.

“Clark Kent!” Martha fumed.

He stuck his tongue out and took off running. The back door slammed in his wake.

Zak bit his bottom lip, sniffing in anger. What did he do? It was only a dumb game.

“Its okay, Sweetheart,” Martha said, going to him.

He shook his head. “I should have let him win.”

Martha smiled. “He’s such a silly dilly.”

Zak nodded his head. “He really, really is.”

Martha could not get over how mature he was for a ten year old. It really was amazing.

“What are you humming?” She asked.

Zak blushed. “Nothing.”

It only made her smile.

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Clark had ran all the way to the barn and up into the old loft where he hid. He was really mad. He always won! Always!

His bottom lip trembled because his mommy was going to be so mad at him. She would tell Daddy and then he’d be in for a good talking to. That was for sure.

It was his birthday! Nobody should ever get in trouble on their birthday. He stomped his foot and the floor trembled under it. It was the sound of old wood snapping.

“Clarky,” Zak called out in a soft voice from somewhere below. “Are you in here?”

“What do you want?” He asked. “Just go away, Zak.”

Zak looked up, trying to find him. “I’m sorry.”

Clark narrowed his eyes. What did he have to be sorry about? He hadn’t done anything? He had only won!

Zak rolled his eyes and decided to lie. “I cheated.”

Clark blinked, peeking down at him from his hiding place. “You did?”

“And I’m sorry,” he said, making his way up the old steps. “You won.”

“Why would you cheat?” Clark asked, hiding behind a big wooden board.

“Because I wanted to be the winner,” he said, making his way to the top. “Where are you?”

Clark sighed. “Cheating is wrong, Zak.”

Zak looked around for him. “I know, and I’m sorry for doing it.”

Clark was listening to his friend’s footsteps getting closer and he jumped out from behind his board.

“BOO!”

Zak stumbled away from him and Clark watched the oddest expression cross his best friend’s face. He heard the wood snapping and everything suddenly slowed down for him. His friend was falling through the floorboards. The tractor plow blades were right below him.

Clark’s big grin instantly vanished as he grabbed a hold of Zak’s wrist, falling to his knees. He was so happy that he was a special boy. Otherwise, he would not have gotten to him in time.

Zak cried out, kicking his legs. “Help!”

“I got you!” Clark yelled, holding onto his wrist tight. “Stop kicking!”

Zak quickly did as Clark told him, looking up into sky blue eyes. “Please, don’t let go.”

Clark growled, pulling with all his strength. “I promise, Zaky.”

All of a sudden, Zak felt light as a feather, and up he came. Clark fell flat on his back with Zak on top of him.

“You okay?” Clark asked, wondering if he should shout for his mommy.

Zak was breathing really hard. He had been scared to death.

“You saved me,” he gasped, taking deep breaths. “Just like a superhero.”

“Maybe we should crawl to the steps,” Clark said as Zak carefully rolled off him.

Zak nodded.

Clark took his hand in his. “Just in case.”

“Just in case,” Zak echoed as he glanced over at the hole.

“Come on,” Clark said and they very slowly crawled their way over to the steps and went down them.

“Our secret?” Zak asked his new hero.

Clark smiled. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

Zak hugged him. “Thank you.”

Clark’s eyes widened. “You’re my friend. I wasn’t going to let you fall.”

Zak looked into his eyes. “I know.”

Clark nodded.

“Race you to the porch,” Zak said.

Clark grinned. “On three…”

“Three!” Zak squealed, taking off.

“Cheater!” Clark yelled after him.

Zak let him win.

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“Clark?” Jonathan asked, coming in to sit at the table. “Were you playing in the loft again?”

“What happened?” Martha asked in concern.

“A hole,” he told her. “It was big enough for someone to fall through onto the plow blades.”

Martha gasped.

Both looked at Clark who lowered his eyes to gaze at his carrots. He hated carrots. They were so yucky.

“Well?” They both asked and his eyes watered. He was so going to get it now.

“First you kick your game,” Martha said. “And now this…”

“It wasn’t Clark,” Zak said, standing up, looking at them. “He saved me.”

All three looked at him.

“I went out to the barn where he was playing in the hay,” he lied. “I wanted to explore the loft and he told me not to.”

The Kent’s were looking at their son who was looking at Zak in awe.

“I didn’t listen to him because I was mad at him for being mad at me,” he went on, jade green eyes burning from a flawless pale face. “He followed me up, telling me that it was wrong, but, I didn’t listen.”

He lowered his eyes.

“I fell through the floor,” he said, looking back up at Clark. “And he saved me by pulling me back up.”

“Why didn’t you tell us anything?” Martha asked, nearly swooning. “Are you scratched? Are you hurt?”

Zak shook his head, smiling. “Clarky saved me and we crawled back to the steps. He never let go of my hand.”

Martha was in tears. “The plow blades, Jonathan?”

She got up, pulling the two boys to her. She hugged them tight.

“I’m sorry, Aunt Martha,” Zak said in a soft voice. “I’ll never do it again.”

Martha shook her head, kissing them both on the forehead.

“I need to fix that loft,” Jonathan said, getting up to pat them both on the head. “My dad even told me not to play up there, but, I never listened either.”

Clark and Zak were getting the air squeezed from their lungs, but Clark did not take his eyes off his best friend in the whole wide world. Zak smiled and he did the same.

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“Are you asleep?” Clark asked, rolling over.

“No,” Zak said, doing the same.

The two looked at each other right in the eyes.

“I can’t sleep,” Clark said, sighing, running a hand through his dark hair. “Will you sing me a lullaby?”

“I don’t know how to sing, Clark.” Zak said, feeling himself blush.

“I don’t care.” Clark said, knowing that he was lying, and decided to tell him the truth. “I hate the dark. It scares me.”

A silver beam of moonlight washed over their faces and Zak moved his hand under the covers to take a hold of Clark’s hand.

“Are you really afraid of the dark?” He asked.

Clark nodded. “I hate it. It makes me feel like I’m in this tiny space and I can’t breathe.”

Zak squeezed his hand. “I did hear this one song from a movie my mommy and daddy said I couldn’t watch because I’m too young.”

“Oh,” Clark asked, feeling excited. “What kind of movie?”

“Dracula,” he said, smiling with white teeth. “It was really pretty. I watched it from the shadows. It was kind of scary, but, it was mostly sad.”

Clark pouted. “Really? The vampire?”

Zak nodded. “Dracula was a normal man in the beginning but he lost his true love and it turned him into a monster.”

Clark was all ears. He loved stories.

“His true love was reincarnated into another body,” he said, looking up at the moon that was smiling at them through the window. “He used all of his powers to keep his true love with him forever and ever, but, in the end, he was killed.”

Clark pouted. “What is reincarnated?”

Zak smiled. “It is when a person dies and their spirit is given another body and they are born all over again.”

“Do you think we’ve been reincarnated?” Clark asked.

Zak turned to look into his blue eyes again. “I don’t know, maybe.”

“What’s this song sound like?” Clark asked.

“Close your eyes,” Zak told him.

Clark did so and Zak started to hum. His voice was so pretty.

Come into these arms again
And lay your body down
The rhythm of this trembling heart
It’s beating like a drum
It beats for you, it bleeds for you
It knows not how it sounds
For it is the drum of drums
It is the song of songs

Clark squeezed Zak’s hand, smiling. “You have a really pretty voice, Zaky.”

Zak blushed, turning his head away. “Do you think so?”

Clark nodded. “Is there more?”

Once I had the rarest rose
That ever deigned to bloom
Cruel winter chilled the bud
And stole my flower too soon
Oh loneliness
Oh hopelessness
To search the ends of time
For there is in all the world
No greater love than mine

Clark snuggled into his pillow. The song was so pretty and so sad.

Zak’s voice was so sweet and smooth. Every note was perfectly pitched.

Zak looked into Clark’s sleeping face and smiled. It was nice being able to soothe someone’s fears with his voice.

He decided to just keep humming to him. The rest of the song was kind of loud and he did not want to distract the Sandman from doing his job.

“I love your voice,” Clark yawned, snuggling closer to the warmth. “It sparkles in my head.”

Zak blushed even deeper, but, he kept humming, because Clark said he loved it. It made him happy.

He kept humming until he knew that Clark was asleep. He watched his best friend and superhero sleep for sometime before drifting off himself.

He dreamed of water and it was dancing to his song.

Martha had been standing right outside the door, listening to the whole conversation and song. She could not believe her ears. That child was going to be a star.

“Hmm,” she said to herself. “Perhaps Clark can be the one who gets him to open up…”

TBC…

Please review and tell me what you think.

Flora

Song lyrics used above belong to Within Temptation and Annie Lennox.